A Cháirde uilig, Táimid anseo are maidin chun saol Padraig Mac Gearailt a cheilúradh, agus is mór é mo phriobhléid mar Cathaoirleach ar Cumann Iomána agus Peile Dungarbhán go bhfuil seans agam cun a chur in úil do Mary beanchéile Paddy, a chlann, gaolta agus cáirde uilig méid ár measa ar Paddy as ucht a bhfuil déanta aige ar son Cumann Lúth Chleas Gael ach go háirithe Club Dungarbháin. Táimid bailithe faoi scamall an bhróin agus Paddy imithe uainn ar shlí na firínne, bhí a fhios againn go léir nach raibh togha na sláinte ag Pádraig le deanaí ach ní raibh éinne ag siúl le imeacht Paddy comh tobann is a tháinig sé. Cé go raibh an sláinte ag teip air, lean Paddy ag obair don club go dian díograsach agus faoi lán seoil. Bhí aithne ó cheann na tíre ach go mór mhór ins na Déisigh ar Paddy. Cé gur trom an tualach bróin anois is le bród agus buíochas atáimid go léir ansel. Fear uasal, fear cróga agus duine den céad scoth, tírgráthóir Padraig bhí árd mheas aige ar gach rud a bhí Gaelach agus dúchasach idir ceol, stair, cultúr, cluichí agus an teanga. Bhí líofacht na Gaeilge aige, rud a chur gliondar chroí air. In abairt amháin chaith Paddy a shaol ag obair ar son Cumann Lúthchleas Gael.
Let’s rewind to late 50’s and early 60’s, I first set eyes on Paddy Fitzgerald when he lined out with the Colligan Rockies. An eagle eyed custodian, he was the Rockies last line of defence and fare game for incoming forwards, a sidestep and lengthy clearance from Paddy lifted many a siege, his displays between the sticks inspired colleagues and his heroics saw many a Colligan team taste a sweet success when defeat looked inevitable. Not surprisingly Paddy saw county duty in the Munster Junior Championships for his top drawer displays. It was in 1978 that Paddy transferred and joined the Old Boro club. For the rest of his life he devoted each ounce of energy to Dungarbhán. His commitment went way above the call of duty. Where do I begin? Can I do the man justice a life of service in a few words. Paddy served as Juvenile and Adult Chairman for many years, Club President, present day Vice-Chairman, Club delegate to both Western and County Boards for years, a valued member of Fraher Field Committee and its Caretaker for a long period, Treasurer of the Western Board for 19 years, a Club trustee, Oifigeach Gaeilge, County Chairman of Scór, Munster Chairman, Vice Chairman and Treasure of Scór over the years, Chairman of Dungarvan when they purchased their Grounds and was deeply involved with all Club developments, as a Fundraiser he had few equals, his knowledge of rules often saw his wise counsel in demand. The list is endless, his attention to detail, meticulous planning, infectious enthusiasm and work ethic saw to it that today when we pass or visit our Club Grounds and ongoing developments, we see evidence that are testimony to Paddy Fitzgerald and his lifelong commitment and dedication to Cumann Luthchleas Gael in Dungarbhán.
Belfast 2017 saw Paddy honoured with a national award from Scór. He was the first to be awarded the Jack Furlong Award in our County and some years ago Paddy was awarded a Presidential medal from Croke Park for his life long service and dedication to the G.A.A., a worthy recipient for such prestigious accolades.
Pé i dteas an tsamhraidh é nó i bhfuacht an gheimhridh dhein Paddy a ndicheall ar son Cumann Dungarbháin, thar aon rud eile ba thabhachtaí leis i gconaí tacaíocht a thabhairt d’foireann Dungarbhán pé grad nó aois ag a mbeidis ag imirt. Fial, flaithiuil lena a chuid ama rinne Paddy obair thar barr ar son Dungarbhán. Bhí se I gconaí ag chur ina luí orainn sa Chumann chomh tábhachtach is atá Cumann Lúthchleas Gael I saol agus I gcultúir ár a tíre, ár Chontae agus ár mbaile. Ta mo rás rite, mo port sinnte, ár mbuíochas ó chroí duit, Paddy. Críochnóidh me leis na línte a scríobhadh fadó fadó. Ar dhroim an domhain nil radharc is áille, Ná tríocha ag bualadh báire no caid, Ar pháirce mhór ghlas faoi taitneamh greine, Is na gártha molta ag dul chun speire. Solas na bhFlaitheas ort, a Phádraig, Is i seilbh ghrámhór Dé go raibh tú go deo.
